How to Make Money on Microsoft Stock

Shares of the software giant appear to be going nowhere fast, which makes it ripe for this options strategy.

Despite a dramatic decline on a bad earnings report, Microsoft remains one of America's most widely held stocks. Many investors would never dream of selling it, even though the company often seems like a fallen giant, unable to inspire investors with innovative new products.

The growth stock of the 1990s has become a stolid utility stock that pays a reliable 2.6% dividend. This, and a low cost basis, is why Microsoft (ticker: MSFT)...